Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary: Florida

Showing posts with label Florida. Show all posts

15 April 2013

Spring Travel: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale is a lot like Miami, it has the same spectacular blue skies, sunshine and abundant beaches, but without the frenzy. To start our exploring off right, we headed to the canals and hopped aboard a water taxi. The water taxis offer hop on hop off service all around the city which allow for plenty of exploring without a lot of back tracking. We were able to hop off at one place for lunch and then hop back on for more exploring. One thing I did not realize about Fort Lauderdale is just how many wealthy people gravitate here to build mega mansions or who call these waters home to their yachts. While we were there, we were able to see the Walmart family yacht, Elle Magazine yacht and too many celebrities to mention.

Spring Travel: 24 hours in Miami

When most people think of South Beach, they think of the artificial side with all the clubs and wild parties, but there is also a lot of history, great food and architecture. Cameron and I visited South Beach last May and although it was only a couple day stop over before we continued onto Central America, we found there is a whole lot more to see and do than the party scene.

Money saving tip: To save a ton of money select a hotel in downtown Miami, not in South Beach. You can hop on the bus and be down to where all the action is in no time. Downtown Miami is sleepy on the weekends, so you can stay away from all the noise of South Beach and enjoy a good nights sleep.

1. Beach time- There is no shortage of sand for sun bathing, surfing or having a picnic lunch. Bring your own towel/mat and save yourself from renting a pricey chair and umbrella from a hotel. If you don't like the sun, it can be a bit intense, so make certain to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. I cannot tell you how many times we have had to purchase sunscreen on vacation and it is usually expensive and extremely annoying when we forget to plan ahead.

From primitive Nicaragua to posh Delray Beach

In Delray Beach, Florida there is this wonderful hotel named The Seagate Hotel. It is a boutique hotel, located close to the ocean and near many shops and restaurants. One of my favorite features of the hotel was the private beach club the hotel guests have access to. Upon check in we simply boarded a trolley and were driven to the front entrance of the beach club. We ate a leisurely late afternoon lunch and then spent the rest of the day swimming, walking along the beach and admiring the mad skills of the wind surfers.

Delray Beach on Dwellable

17 May 2012

Key West

We made the four hour drive from Miami to Key West early in the morning. There was no traffic and we arrived in Key West long before most visitors wake up after a long evening of partying the night before. We stayed at this lovely little B & B called The Avalon, it was our first time to stay at a bed and breakfast. The best part about our B & B was the location and the particularly kind staff. As travelers we do not require much, but a warm greeting makes us happy.

There was this man standing around the Southernmost Point monument who asked if we wanted him to take our photo. We know not to turn down a good thing, so we said sure. Afterward he asked for money and seemed miffed we did not pay up. Although this is a clever guilt trip, we did not play into his tactics. After seeing him loitering there over a couple days we realized this was how he made his money, preying on unsuspecting out of towners.

This peanut butter custard was phenomenal. My grandfather used to make me this Peanut Butter Pie and it tasted almost exactly like it. I was glad the $4.50 cone was worth every penny. Did I mention they like to inflate their prices in Key West??

Although we did not eat here, we did think the Hard Rock was unique enough to warrant a photo.

When in Key West, you must eat Key Lime Pie. They like it TART here and they also dip it in chocolate and put it on a stick.

Kino sandals, is this hole in the wall sandal shop which makes affordable, brightly colored sandals on site. They make all different style, but I scooped up a red pair with a toe strap. I am wishing I had bought a couple more.

Breakfast on the front porch at the Avalon.

Avalon B & B

Any place which has a nightly celebration for the sunset complete with street performers, food vendors and crafts is a place I can appreciate.

Waiting in Mallory Square for the sunset.

Cameron had an opportunity to participate in a little street performing, but the kid in the middle really stole the show.

A Disney cruise ship landed for one of the days we were there. It was fun to be so close to such a large ship and more importantly see it take off along with the thousands of people it brought.

Key West on Dwellable

12 May 2012

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is made up of an array of waterways, which makes a boat the perfect way to see the sights. We boarded the water taxi and criss crossed the city via boat. We saw yachts and mansions galore, dreamed of owning a boat ourselves, dined on chowder and alligator and enjoyed every last ray of sunshine.